THE MIRACLE OF GOD'S GIFT OF INDWELLING JOY...YOUR SECRET STRENGTH!!

THE MIRACLE OF JOY

“…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

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 First of all JOY is not some happy-go-lucky attitude about human life. It doesn't mean you don't have trouble, or you don't experience pain, or that life is one big party.  It does however, mean that during trouble, or painful experiences, or sad moments you expect God's blessings, goodness, and are STILL surrounded by his presence and his everlasting LOVE. Therefore JOY becomes a prominent RESPONSE or REACTION to his dependable WORD, his promised goodness to you, and his indwelling PRESENCE.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is the SOURCE or PROVIDER of JOY. “…The fruit of the Spirit is … love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). JOY is expressed as gladness, rejoicing, or laughter. “…May all who search for you be filled with JOY and GLADNESS in you…” (Psalms 40:16 NLT). “…Always be full of joy in the Lord…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

The indwelling Spirit imparts true spiritual JOY, to the believer, especially in response to the “GOOD NEWS” of the Gospel or when they worship. “… [The]…good news that will cause great JOY for all the people…” (Luke 2:10 NIV). “…Happy are those who hear the JOYful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord…” (Psalms 89:15 NLT). “…what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin…” (Romans 4:8 NASB). “…you received the message with joy "FROM" the Holy Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 1:6 NASB). “…Worship the Lord with GLADNESS. Come before him, singing with JOY…” (Psalms 100:2 NLT).

JOY is not an emotion, but it can impact emotions. The indwelling Spirit of JOY stems from the indwelling Holy Spirit, and NOT people, temporary situations, or material possessions. “…Oh, the JOYS of those who trust the Lord…” (Psalms 40:4 NLT). “…Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the JOYS of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalms 34:8 NLT).

Joy is LIKE a SIDE EFFECT of the indwelling Spirit. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL [JOY]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives [JOY]…” (John 6:63 NASB). ).  “… [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of JOY]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

JOY is a responsibility God, through the indwelling Spirit, manages in the relationship with the believer. God is fully accountable for the relational JOY. God can be totally depended upon to keep his obligation of maintaining and sustaining JOY. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

The Spirit of JOY is PROOF of SALVATION. “…The JOY of your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV). “…I will be JOYful in the God of my salvation!” (Hababbuk 3:18 NLT). “…Let us shout JOYfully to the rock of our salvation…” (Psalms 95:1 NASB). “…The sound of JOYful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous…” (Psalms 118:15 NASB). “…And the ransomed of the Lord will return And come with JOYful shouting ……” (Isaiah 35:10 NASB). “…Declare with the sound of JOYful shouting …“The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob…” (Isaiah 48:20 NASB). ). “…I am overwhelmed with JOY in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation…” (Isaiah 61:10 NLT).

joy IS FROM GOD. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “… Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit…” (Luke 10:21 KJV). “…Jesus was filled with the JOY of the Holy Spirit…” (Luke 10:21 NLT).  “…The kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 NASB).  “… The disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:52 NASB).

GOD FIRST gives you joy. “…We give [God]...only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). “… my JOY (the indwelling Holy Spirit)… REMAIN in you, and … your JOY … be full…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…God keeps him (his children) OCCUPIED with the GLADNESS of his heart…” (Ecclesiastes 5:20 NASB). “…When he … saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with JOY...” (Acts 11:23 NLT).

GOD expresses his joy through his “indwelling” presence. Joy is used to connect, relate, or attach to the believer. “… He that is joined (connected with) unto the LORD “is” ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them…” (Revelation 21:3 NLT). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “…My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

The supply of JOY is one of the responsibilities (tasks) God, the indwelling Spirit, manages in his RELATIONSHIP ROLE with the believer. “…Your God, has anointed You With the oil of GLADNESS above Your companions…”

GOD IMPARTS joy. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” too (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL … [JOY]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives [JOY]…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…The hope of the righteous is GLADNESS…” (Proverbs 10:28 NLT).

GOD EMPOWERS joy. ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good [the Spirit of JOY]… for doing his will, and may he work in us (his indwelling JOY) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…O Lord … [you] … have made me GLAD by what You have done, I will sing for JOY at the works of Your hands…” (Psalms 92:4 NASB).“…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will (be empowered) and to do (experience JOY) …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God supplies joy. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the JOY] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

GOD’S joy NEVER CHANGES OR FAILS. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

GOD’S joy CAN’T BE SEPARATED FROM YOU, EVEN IF YOU SEPARATE FROM HIM. “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…I “IN” YOU…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…Ihe remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… my JOY … REMAIN in you…” (John 15:11 NIV).

GOD’S joy LASTS FOREVER. “…everlasting joy will be on their heads…” (Isaiah 51:11 NASB).

GOD’S joy IS A “SIGN” THAT YOU ARE HIS DISCIPLES WHO ALWAYS REJOICE IN HIM. “…I will REJOICE in the Lord. I will be GLAD…” (Psalms 35:9 NLT). “…REJOICE in the Lord always…” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). “…REJOICE always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). Therefore, "… bear much (JOY) fruit, and … PROVE to be … [God’s] … disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

GOD’S joy is a fruitful side effect of the ingested holy spirit. “…The fruit of the Spirit is JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…you greatly REJOICE with JOY inexpressible and full of glory …[BECAUSE you] … [believe in Him]…” (1 Peter 1:8 NASB). “…Always be JOYFUL…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT).

God’s joy is understood by faith. “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what we now see (joy) did not come from anything that can be seen (indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…The fruit of the (invisible) Spirit is … JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is …[MADE "YOU"]… a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things [about your] are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me…” (Genesis 21:6 NASB). “…You make him JOYful with GLADNESS in Your presence…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

GOD’S joy IS EXPERIENCED BY TRUST. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing JOY to the heart…” (Psalms 19:8 NLT). “…JOYful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord…” (Psalms 119:1 NLT). “…Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a JOY and the delight of my heart…” (Jeremiah 15:16 NASB).God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…It (his word) shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). Therefore,“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

God’s joy is experienced through surrender. “…Submit therefore to God…” (James 4:7 NLT).  “… I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…But JOYful are those who have … God … as their helper…” (Psalms 146:5 NLT). “…I have come to do your will, my God…'" (Hebrews 10:7, 9 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

GOD’S joy IS OFTEN “NOT” BELIEVED. “…Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “…See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12 NIV). The Centurion said to Jesus “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV). “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

If JOY is a strength, then it is safe to say that SADNESS is "NOT" a strength.

GOD’S joy IS chosen and RECEIVED even in the presence of doubt, misunderstanding or MAN’S Lack of KNOWLEDGE. “…RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted word …” (James 1:21 KJV). "…Truly I tell you, if anyone … DOES NOT DOUBT in their heart but believes … it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE… (and HIS JOY) … EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). “…Submit yourselves to the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 30:8 NLT). “…REPENT … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (which includes JOY)….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). God tells us, “… [My].. thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV). “…..be not afraid….only believe…” (Mark 5:36 KJV).  “… [God has] … put GLADNESS in … [your] … heart…” (Psalms 4:7 NASB). “…let the righteous be glad…” (Psalms 68:3 NASB).

God CREATED YOU FOR JOY. Therefore, “…Be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing And her people for GLADNESS…” (Isaiah 65:18 NASB).

god has given you his joy. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … joy…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…You have made known to me the ways of life; You … make me full of GLADNESS with Your presence…” (Acts 2:28 NASB).

God’s joy comes “with” HIS indwelling PRESENCE. “…They will BE GLAD in Your presence…” (Isaiah 9:3 NASB). “…My presence shall go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…In Your presence is fullness of joy…” (Psalms 16:11 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  Therefore, “…we are filled with joy…” (Psalms 126:3 NIV).

God’s joy is forever. “…everlasting joy will be on their heads…” (Isaiah 51:11 NASB). Thus, “…Always be full of JOY in the Lord…” (Philippians 4:4 NLT).

God supplies you with enough joy to share with others. “…Everything [the believer] … has come from … [God], and [they] … give [God] … only what [he] … first gave … [them]! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). Thus, “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED …” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the joy] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).  “…God’s love … [and JOY] … has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV). “…my cup runneth over (with joy)…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV).

God’s joy is displayed as spiritual fruit in your life. You and others can see it. “…Ye shall know them (or yourself) by their (or your) fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … joy…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…He will … fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy…” (Job 8:21 NLT). “…We … [are] … filled with laughter, and we sang for joy…” (Psalms 126:2 NLT). “…Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … joy…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

If you do NOT have the indwelling Spirit, you are NOT one of God’s children and the fruit, not your religious works, will prove it. “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT). “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Spiritual JOY can ONLY be experienced through the indwelling Spirit. Spiritual JOY is “NOT” a human quality, but a spiritual one; imparted by God’s presence in the inner person. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is … joy [is "IN" you]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Spiritual, indwelling JOY is a permanent, eternal provision, whereas human JOY is “NOT.” Spiritual JOY remains and human JOY is fleeting. “… my JOY (the indwelling Holy Spirit)… REMAIN in you, and …” (John 15:11 NIV). “…everlasting joy will be on their heads…” (Isaiah 51:11 NASB).

Spiritual JOY is the secret that sustains and keeps the child of God content through trials and tribulations. “…  HIS SECRET is with the righteous…” (PROVERBS 3:32). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). My friend and sister-in-the-Lord, Lyndia Sanders, KNOWS the secret of being CONTENT!

“…THE SECRET of the Lord is with them that fear (respect, honor, reverence, etc.) him…” (PROVERBS 25:14). God has “… [MADE] KNOWN… [TO YOU]...the RICHES of the glory … which is Christ IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  

“…THE SECRET of the Lord is with [YOU]…” (PROVERBS 25:14). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… The fruit of the Spirit is … joy…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).Therefore, “….The JOY of the Lord (Jesus Christ) is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

SHOUT! LAUGH! BE JOYFUL IN THE LORD!!!!